INFORMATION ON SOVIET BLOC INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL COOPERATION - 1959

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP82-00141R000200630001-3
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 22
• Document Creation Date: November 9, 2016
• Document Release Date: February 1, 1999
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: April 17, 1959
• Content Type: REPORT

I`NTERNATIONRL
YEFiR; "I NFORMRT I ON
 pproved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
~1)
P13 131632-62
INFORMATION ON SOVIET BLOC INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL COOPERATION - 1959
April 17, 1959
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Office of Technical Services
Washington 25, D. C.
Published Weekly
Subscription Price $12.00 for the Series
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
PLEASE NOTE
This report presents unevaluated information on Soviet-Bloc
activities in the International Geophysical Cooperation program
from foreign-language publications as indicated in parentheses.
It is published as an aid. to United States Government research.
INTERNATIONAL GEOPHYSICAL COOPERATION PROGRAM
SOVIET-BLOC ACTIVITIES
Table of Contents
Page
I.
General
1
II.
Rockets and Artificial Earth Satellites
5
III.
Upper Atmosphere
10
I.
Seismology
13
(r.
Gla:iology
14
VI.
Arctic and Antarctic
16
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
Ukrainian Participation in the IGC
Investigations in the fields of terrestrial magnetism and electric-
ity, oceanology, meteorology, aurora, meteor astronomy, solar activity,
time service and systematic observations of artificial satellite move-
ments are being conducted at 18 scientific establishments located through-
out the -territory of the Ukraine. The scope, achievements, and objectives
of 'these Ukrainian activities are well summarized in a Ukrainian magazine
article by B. G. Bondarchuk, an Academician at the Academy of Sciences
Ukrainian SSR and chief of the Organizational Committee of the Academy of
Sciences Ukrainian SSR for the IGY.
Work of particular importance in the .IGY program is being conducted
by such organizations as the Main Astronomical and Poltava Gravimetric
observatories, the Institute of Geological Sciences and the Institute of
the Geology of Useful Minerals of the Academy of Sciences Ukrainian SSR,
the Hydrometeor.ological Services Administration of the Ukrainian SSR, the
Kiev State University imeni T. G. Shevchenko, the Astronomical Observa-
tories of Khar'kov, L'vvov and Odessa state universities, Kharkov Poli-
'technic Institute imeni V. 1. Lenin, the Kharkov State Institute of
Standards and Measuring Instruments, and a number of other establishments.
Coordination of operations at these organizations for the IGY pro-
gram is maintained by the Organizational Committee of the Academy of Sci-
ences Ukrainian SSR.
Considerable preparatory work was done by the Ukrainian participants
to insure successful execution of assignments for the IGY program. Ex-
isting observatories were equipped with new instruments. 'In the vicinity
of Kiev, a magnetic station was built for the Institute of Geological
Sciences of the Academy of Sciences Ukrainian SSR for the study of the
geomagnetic field of the Earth., Special stations for observation of the
pulsations of electric Earth currents were constructed by the :Institute
of the Geology of Useful Minerals,, Academy of Sciences Ukrainian SSR at
Koretz, Morshin, and Uzhgorod. All observatories and certain locations
near Kiev, Khar'kov, and Odessa were equipped with stations for visual,
photographic, and radio observations of meteors and artificial satellites.
Great effort was made by Ukrainian scientists to perfect techniques
for geophysical observations. As an example, the collective of scientific
workers at the Kharkov Politechnic Institute imeni V. I. Lenin developed
an original apparatus for the study of meteors and the upper layers of the
atmosphere by a radar method. Through the use of this equipment, new facts
were obtained about the movement of meteorites. It was established that a
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
predominate number of these bodies move in a straight line, and have orbits
near to the plane of the ecliptic. Workers of this :institute also con-
structed new equipment and began observations of winds at altitudes of
80 to 100 kilometers for the first time in the Soviet Union.
The new "meteor patrol" apparatus for automatic photographing of
meteors was developed at the Astronomical Observatory of Odessa State
University imeni I. I. Mechnikov and is being widely utilized in obser-
vatories of the Soviet Union and the People's Democracies,.
A new molecular clock, distinguished by its accuracy and stability,
was developed at the Khar'kov State Institute of Standards and Measuring
Instruments. Data from observations utilizing this instrument are being
widely used by the Time Service of the Soviet Union.
Operations of the Astronomical Observatory of Kharkov State Univer-
sity imeni Gor'kiy and the Kharkov Institute of Standards and Measuring
Instruments on the problem of determining time and longitude are greatly
facilitated by the best quartz clock in the Soviet Union. Interesting
information on the irregular movement of the Earth about its axis was
obtained by the observatory with this instrument.
A new chromospheric?-phottospheric telescope was installed at the Main
Astronomical Observatory of the Academy of Sciences Ukrainian SSR, per-
mitting more accurate astronomical observations. Workers at this ob-
servatory have also developed a new method for determining coordinates of
artificial satellites.
Prediction of the exact position of a satellite at any given time is
possible by an original method, developed by workers at the Astronomical
Observatory of Lvov State University imeni Ivan Frank. The new instru-
ment employed for this method was built at the Astronomical Observatory
of the Kiev State University. Considerably more ac.curate satellite ob-
servations and less calculation time are possible with the new method.
Important work in the IGY program is being performed by the Poltava
Gravimetric Observatory of the Academy of Sciences Ukrainian SSR. This
organization is the all-union center of the latitude ser-,ice and the main
scientific establishment of the IGY and is concerned witrL the problem of
variations of latitude and pole displacements. This observatory is united
with stations in Pulkovo, Moscow, Kazan Kitab, ::Irkutsk, and Blagovesh-
chensk, from which material on latitude observations is relayed to Poltava
for processing and generalization. New methods have also been developed
here for the determination of polar coordinates from data or. azinnrath ob-
servations.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
The task of collection and publication of data gathered from 22
zenith telescopes in 16 observatories throughout the world was assigned
to the Poltava Observatory at the Tenth Congress of the International
Astronomical Society. Preparations are now being made for the organi-
zation of a special laboratory to function as a permanent world center
for processing latitude observations.
The Crimean Astrophysical Observatory serves as the international
center and the main institution of the Soviet Union in the study of the
problem of investigation of solar activity. From the scientific and
equipment aspects, the observatory is one of the best in the world.
Unique equipment has been developed by this organization for study of
the structure of the ionosphere and radio emissions from the Sun.
Studies of the Sun also maintain an important position in the IGY
program. Particular at ention is given to the study of chromospheric
flares which are associaued with such natural phenomena as geomagnetic
and ionospheric storms., aurora, and the intensity of corpuscular, and
X-ray and ultraviolet radiation.
Observatories of the Ukrainian SSR, which are performing studies
of the Sun, had accumulated valuable material during the regular IGY.
At the Astronomical Observatory of Kiev State University alone, over
650 groups of sunspots and 54 chromosphere flares were registered in
1958. Spectrograms of the chromosphere flares and prominences, etc.
were also obtained. These investigations produced new data on the
structure of the hydrogen and calcium atmosphere of the Sun, the nature
of the asymmetry in the equatorial maximums of geomagnetic storms,
pecularities in the structure of the chromosphere, etc.
Important investigations on the problem of auroras are being con-
ducted by the Chair of Astronomy of Kiev State University. Basic ob-
servations are being conducted at a station on the Bay of Tiksi, which
was constructed for this purpose. This station is equipped with in-
struments of native construction which are of a precision unequaled in
foreign observatories. Results of these investigations have produced
new data concerning the structure, development, and distribution of
auroras, corpuscular flows, etc.
Preliminary processing of magnetograms obtained at the Kiev Magnetic
Station of the Institute of Geological Sciences of the Academy of Sci-
ences Ukrainian SSR give evidence of the true concurrence of magnetic
storms and aurora observed at Ukrainian meteorological stations in 1958.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
The main center for the study of meteors is the Astronomical Ob-
servatory of Odessa State University. New meteor observation stations
were constructed in the villages of Mayaki and Krizhanovka and also in
the Odessa Botanical Garden. The special "meteor patrol" considerably
improves the precision of meteor observations.
Activities in meteorology, astronomy, and oceanography are being
conducted by the Hydrometeorological Service Administration of the
Ukrainian SSR and the Ukrainian Scientific Research Hydrometeorological
Institute. Similar operations are being conducted on 16 mainland sta-
tions and about ten stations on ships.
Certain regularities as to the distribution of the electric field
in the atmosphere of the Earth in relation to meteorological conditions
and altitude were established from results of investigations. It was
discovered that at an altitude of 500 meters, the maximum factor of the
electric field strength is connected with certain pecularities in the
circulation of the atmosphere which effect the variation of climate over
the Ukraine. The first results were also obtained for the heat balance
over the territory of the Ukraine.
Oceanological observations are being performed principally by the
Hydrometeorological Observatory of the Black and Azov seas of the Hydro-
meteorological Service of the Ukrainian SSR. These observations are
supplemented by approximately 65 maritime hydrometeorological stations
and posts dispersed along the coast line and also on ships of the Azov-
Black Sea Fleet. From the results of observations for the IGY program,
it was possible to construct a map of the distribution of hydrological
and hydrochemical elements at various depths of the Black Sea, a dynamic
chart of currents, and to obtain improvement of the bottom relief map
for the Black Sea.
Investigations throughout the course of IGG will be conducted at
the level attained in 1958. Particular attention will be paid to the
processing of collected facts and observational data and further im-
provement in the accuracy of observations.
(Additional information on Ukrainian participation in the IGC is
presented in the form of a map sketch and photograph. The map shows the
location of points where observations are being conducted according to
the IGY program in the territory of the Ukrainian. SSR. The photograph
shows the expeditionary vessel Gorizont of the Hydrometeerological Service
of the Ukrainian SSR.) ("International. Geophysical Cooperation," by
V. G. Bondarchuk, Academician, Academy of Sciences Ukrainian SSR, and
chairman of the Organizational Committee for the IGY of the Academy of
Sciences Ukrainian SSR; Kiev, Nauka i Zhytta, No 2, Feb 59,. pp 21-24)
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
0
Conference of. Young Scientists-Geologists
A conference of young scientists-heol og1sts or the Transcaucasian
republics was held in Yerevan from 2_8 October to 10 Noverioer 1953. The
conference was called by the Institute of Geolo.-ical Sciences of the
Academy of Sciences Armenian SSR. A dcl.el,;ation from the Institute of
Geology of the Academy of Scicnc:;o Turlanen SSR compo;;.:d of S. Amanov
and K. Tegelekov, aspirants, took part in the work of the coriCerence.
Many reports on problems of stratiC;rr.pay and tectonics, petroleum
and las geology, ma,netism and vulcanology, mineralogy and geochemistry,
hydrogeology, and mine structures were read and discussed.
A resolu'-?'on establishing yearly meetings for young scientists-
geologists was accepted by the participants in the conference. ("Con-
ference of Young Scientists-Geologists," by S. Amanov, Institute of
Geology, ?!kcademy of Sciences, Turkmen SSR; Ashkhabad, Izvestiya Ak-
ademii Nauk Turkmenskoy SSR, No 6, 1958, p 120)
II. ROCKETS AND ARTIFICIAL EARTH SATELLITES
Noomeyanov Speech on Soviet Cosmic Research at Annual Meeting of Academy
of Sciences USSR
Academician A. N. Nesmeyanov, president of the Academy of Sciences
USSR, generalized the investigations of Soviet scientists in the field
of cosmic exploration by means of rockets and artificial earth satellites.
The speech, "The Investigation of Cosmic Space `11.+.h the Aid of
ocl-ets and Sputniks," was delivered at the closing session of the annual
meeting; of the Academy of Sciences USSR,
After describing the first Soviet artificial earth satellites, Nes-
ileyanov said that it was important to note that the launching of the
rocket toward the Moon from Soviet territory ;ias more difficult than a
laur_c'iing from lower latitudes. Soviet territory cannot intersect with
the plane of the Moon's orbit, which, at present, lies approximately
between 18 17 and 18 S. This eliminates the possibility of using tra-
jectories lying in the plane of the lunar orbit and which are more ad-
vantaGeous for a flight in the region of the Moon.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
In addition, not all. days of the month are equally favorable for
the launching; of a rocket.
The most favorable location of the Moon in orbit for a launching
from Soviet territory is when its inclination is at a minimum and con-
sists of about 18 degrees. A considerable deviation from this condi-
tion leads to a very substantial loss in the weight of the payload. The
'.-:y selected for the rocket flight near the moon was the one in which
its position deviated least from the optimum.
The launching of artificial Earth satellites and the cosmic rocket
made it possible to obtain results of fundamental scientific value on
the investigation of the upper layers of the atmosphere and cosmic space.
Nesmeyanov dwelt only on those experiments on which processing has
been completed at present to the greatest degree. The unique aureole
around the Earth was successfully discovered for the first time with the
aid of the Soviet cosmic rocket. This aureole, as present Soviet ex.-
periments show, is composed of electrons with energies of tens and hundreds
of thousands electron volts. The aureole extends for a distance greater
than 10 earth radii.
A sharp increase in X-radiation beginning at a geomagnetic latitude
of about 55 degrees was discovered with the aid of instruments carried
by Sputniks II and III. Thus, the permanently existing electron com-
ponent of the Earth's corpuscular component was discovered. The energy
of these electrons is about 100,000 electron volts. The results obtained
by the cosmic rocket made it possible to establish that the newly dis-
covered electron component and the aureole around the Earth are one and
the same phenomenon.
In addition to the Zones of increased intensity existing in the polar
regions near the Earth and at distances up to 10 earth radii, a second
zone of high intensity ex.iFts which begins at an altitude of more than
1,000 kilometers.
Soviet scientists made a more detailed study of this second zone.
It was shown that it begins at an altitude of about 600 kilometers in
the Western Hemisphere, but it is considerably over 1,000 kilometers
high in the Eastern Hemisphere. In addition; it was established that
this region stretches from the equator up to latitudes of 45 degrees.
An analysis of the composition of the radiation showed that the energy
of particles in the second zone is considerably higher than in the first
zone.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
Powerful streams of particles possessing a very short path length
were discovered by Soviet scientists with the aid of Sputnik III and
the cosmic rocket. Certain hypotheses on the origin of this form of
radiation were explained by Nesmeyanov. According to one of these
theories, this radiation arises with the interaction of cosmic rays
with the earth's atmosphere, as a result of which there arise, in
particular, neutrons, decaying afterwards into electrons and protons.
Another theory holds that these corpuscles are discharged from the Sun
and are caught in the trap of the earth's magnetic field.
Finally says Nesmeyanov, it should be mentioned that if..the prod-
ucts of atomic explosions get into the higher altitudes, they create
intensive streams of charged particles there. Thus, atomic., explos9.ons
can lead to the contamination of that part of the cosmos near the Earth.
Soviet physicists obtained valuable information in the composi-
tion of heavy nuclei in cosmic radiation. They showed that the stream
of charged particles in cosmic radiation is extremely small.
Soviet scientists have made an enormous contribution to the study
of the upper atmosphere. Data on the density, temperature, the con-
centration of electrons and positive ions and other parameters of the
upper atmosphere in the region of altitudes of 225-1,000 kilometers
were first obtained by them.
The earlier representations that the limit of the atmosphere reached
up to 1,000 kilometers has been fully disproved by Soviet researchers.
At present, it is possible to assert that this limit extends up to con-
siderably higher altitudes.
With the aid of the cosmic rocket, the first experimental data on
the density of interplanetary gas was obtained. The mass spectrometer
investigations conducted with Sputnik III on the composition of particles
in the upper atmosphere gave extremely valuable results.
Outstanding data on magnetic measurements were obtained by Soviet
scientists. For the first time, the deep origin of the sources of the
East Siberian magnetic anomalies were determined. The effects of iono-
spheric current systems causing perturbed variations of the Earth's
magnetic field were discovered. The discovery of an exoatmospheric current
system at a distance of 3-4 earth radii is a fundamental result in the
field of magnetic measurements by the cosmic rocket.
Soviet biologists conducted a unique experiment with the dog Layka.
This was the first experiment in the history of biology in which a highly
organized creature remained for a long time in cosmic space.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
Ncsmeyanov concluded his speech by praising all who had a part in the
launching of the artificial earth satellites and the cosmic rocket. ("Out-
standing Contribution of Soviet Scientists in the Investigation of the
Cosmos"; Moscow, Pravda, 29 Mar 59, p 3; "Investigation of Cosmic Space
With the Aid of Rockets and Sputniks"; Moscow, Izvestiya, 29 Mar 59, p 2)
Rocket Displays at USSR Exhibition
The "Nauka" [Science] pavilion at the Exhibition of Achievements of
the National Economy of the USSR, which closed 29 March, contained o. sec-
tion devoted to Soviet achievements in rocket technique.
Much material was devoted to the investigation of the upper atmos-
phere with the aid of rockets. Displayed in the science pavilion were
models of the meteorological rocket MR-1 and the nose cones of Al and A2
geophysical rockets. These rockets were used for measurements at al-
titudes up to 110-212 kilometers. The nose cone of the A3 rocket is in-
teresting. With a load of 1,520 kilograms it reached a record height of
472 kilometers.
Along with the nose cones, the enormous parachutes which safely
lowered both instruments and experimental animals were also shown. The
complex system of three parachutes for the A3 rocket exceeds an area of
700 square meters.
Models of Sputniks I, II, and III and their scientific apparatus
were also displayed. ("Closing the Exhibition Pavilions...," by A. Kon-
drat'yev, chief of the Department of Information and Printing of the
Exhibition of the Achievements of the National Economy of the USSR;
Moscow, Promyshlenno-Ekonomicheskaya Gazeta, 1 Apr 59, p 4)
Artist's Conception of Lunar Scientific Station
An artist's conception of a lunar scientific station appears in
Tekhnika Molodezhi, a Soviet popular science magazine. The laboratory
installation is shown built under a thick layer of rocks, where it is
protected from meteorites and where the sharp changes in the temperature
of the lunar day and night will not be felt.
The station is a cylindrical two-deck affair, the upper deck of
which contains a laboratory, the point in which control of the varied
activities of the scientific station is concentrated, the communications
room, and living quarters. The lower deck contains storage facilities
for oxygen, water, fuel, spare parts, and instruments.
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
An astronomical observatory, a radiotelescope, a battery of photo-
elements feeding the station batteries, and a radio tower for Earth com-
munication are shown on the surface of the Moon nearby. An electrically
driven caterpillar tractor with mechanical arms is used for lunar explora-
tions by the station personnel in space suits. A greenhouse serves as a
supplementary source of food. A space rocket for travel to the Earth is
shown in the background. ("Window into the Future"; Tekhnika Molodezhi,
No 2, Feb 59, p 36)
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
Soviet Scientist Discusses Kozyrev's Discovery of Moon Volcano
N. A. Kozyrev's report on the observation of volcanic activity on
the Moon and the launching of the Soviet cosmic rocket shortly there-
after raised the interest in t1'at, natural satellite of the Earth to
he:Lgh-t-s never before reached. In answer to a request by two readers,
an article by A. Dadayev, a review of which follows, on Kozurev's dis-
covery was published in Sovetskaya Aviatsiya.
Recently, great reliance has been placed on direct methods of
investigating the lunar surface with the aid of rockets. Moreover,
it appears that not all ground-based means for studying the Moon
have bc:,.:,.i used, in particular, the spectroscope. Perhaps this con-
dition arose because it was considered that the lunar spectrum, so
to speak. only reproduced the spectrum of the Sun.
Prof Kozyrev long maintained that the Moon must have its own
radiation. In his works, a particular kind of radiation, the lumines-
cent brightness of certain matter under the action of hard ultravio-
let radiation from tLe Sun, is indicated.
Kozyrev's first results, obtained in 1955, supported his belief
that luminescence of materials on the Moon actually exists. It was
important to isolate this luminescence on the background of the sun-
light reflected from the Moon. Lis was possible through the use of
the spectrograph. The lunar crater Alphonsus was selected as a
suitable object for observation.
An observational program in 1958 was conducted by Prof Kozyrev
In the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory, using its 50?-inch reflector
with a spectrograph. No indications of luminescencent brightness
were observed in a considerable number of spectrograms made, and it
was only on 3 November at about OIE00 hours, that the central peak
of the crater appeared redder than usual. By 0600 hours, the cen-
tral peal was very bright and shining. A spectrogram obtained at
the time revealed an interesting phenomenon: in the blue part of
the spectrum a luminescence appeared quite clearly over the central
peak. A spectrogram made at 0630 hours showed the crater had re-
turned to its normal state. The tifnole phenomenon Tasted several
hours. Obviously, in the beginning, an ejection of dust (volcanic
ash) occurs?ed, and then a large amount of gases were discharged.
Rising to the surface, the gases, under the action of the Sun's
radiation, decomposed into more simple molecules whose luminescence
was observed. An approximate calculation of the quantity of gases
discharged resulted in a figure of 100,000 cubic meters; the
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
inolecu].ca of gas had a velocity of 200 motors per second. Thus, the
whole process was extremely violent, which is an indication of the
occurrence of a volcanic eruption and not the slow emanation of gases
from lunar fissures.
Something should be said on an intrinsic peculiarity of lunar
volcanoes. Since their eruption occurs in the absence of atmosphere,
then the volcanic flame rising as a result of the union of strongly
heated products of the eruption with oxygen cannot be seen. The lunar
volcano manifests itself only because of the fluorescent illumination
of gases, erupted and decomposed into simple molecules. Inasmuch as
the fluorescence there occurs under the action of thu sun's rays, it
is impossible to observe the eruption of volcanoes at night on the
..do of the Moon not illuminated by the Sun. That is why eruptiins
on the Moon were not observed before, although they may possibly not
be a rarity.
The reason volcanism on the Moon is possible is the same as that
for it on the Earth, says Dadayev. At present, we think that molten
magma !.s formed in specific foci deep under the Earth's surface as a
result of the accumulation of heat from the decay there of radioactive
elements. The extremely low thermal conductivity of the surface layers
must undoubtedly contribute to the build-up of heat.
It should be mentioned, says Dadayev, that apparatus for studying
the Moon's radioactivity was carried by the first Soviet cosmic rocket.
("How the Volcano on the Moon Was Discovered," by A Dadayev, Candidate
of Physicomathematical Sciences; Moscow, Sovetskaya Aviatsiya, 28 Mar
59, p 3)
Study on the Effect Geological Conditions on Neutron Flux in the Earth
The problem of studying the neutron flux of the Earth in zones of
beryllium deposits was undertaken by V. V. Cherdyntsev and 0. V. Suya-
rova. This was based on the acceptance that the main component of
the Earth's neutron flux are neutrons of , oC , n) reactions, and the
matter generatin3 neutrons for the most part is beryllium. In addi-
tion, a comparative study of neutron flux in a laboratory (in the
city of Alma Ata, 800 meters above sea level) and in one of the
glaciers in the neighborhood of the city (about 3,11.00 meters above
sea level) was conducted.
Thin-layered plates, the emulsions of which were in contact with
a saturated (for alpha-radiation) layer of boron carbide (77 percent
boron), were used for registering neutrons. The plates were treated
with an oxidizer, potassium ferricyanide salts, for eliminating latent
Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
 Approved For Release 1999/09/08 : CIA-RDP82-00141 R000200630001-3
alpha-ray i.muf,es. The ial.utun were exposed in standard parafin envelopes
(1.):tc cutttimetur thick), owing to which the relative number of slow neu-
i::?otuu wau uomewhut Increased. The envelopes were used as shielding
..rr a Lnot mo Ls tune which would cause a regrc-soion of the alphaparticles.
Ct.u'.cu]atLon showed Lat for approximately 1.00 neutrons passing through
to pl.atc, one track appeared passing through the boron layer into the
cmuul.0loll. The sensitivity of the plates proved insufficiently stable,
reuul.ting in too great an accumulation of background particles (about
three to ten alpha-particles per square centimeter per day). The ac-
cur:ucy of the experlmcnto was not very high. A field radiometer was
used for studying the guunna radiation at all points where work was
conducted.
It was found that there was no increase of neutron flux in the
region of pegmatite beryllium deposits and in nona.ctive parts of
pneumatolytic beryllium deposits. Slow neutrons predominate in the
flux, since they enter mainly from the atmosphere, as it is possible
to determine through experiments with plates screened with cadmium
filters.
A measureable flux of slow electrons was found neither in the
L.